Buying a new XS650

[spencerm]

Hi there, I am a college student buying a 1978 Yamaha xs650. It has been built to look like a cafe racer, has 15,420 miles, and needs a few things to be ready in the spring. I have a pretty minimal knowledge of mechanics, and are curious what I need to do upon buying this motorcycle and everything I need to check or do before riding this motorcycle. Here are some of the seller details. I am trying to learn how to fix and keep this bike well-maintained.
It runs and rides
Clean title
New battery
Points to Electronic conversion.
Pro taper bars and risers
Comes with box of parts including both side covers, headlight, rear brake and turn signal integrated etc

Cons: Needs turn signals and brake lights wired up, needs side covers put back on and everything buttoned up.

Here is a picture for reference, please any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Hi there, I am a college student buying a 1978 Yamaha xs650. It has been built to look like a cafe racer, has 15,420 miles, and needs a few things to be ready in the spring. I have a pretty minimal knowledge of mechanics, and are curious what I need to do upon buying this motorcycle and everything I need to check or do before riding this motorcycle. Here are some of the seller details. I am trying to learn how to fix and keep this bike well-maintained.
It runs and rides
Clean title
New battery
Points to Electronic conversion.
Pro taper bars and risers
Comes with box of parts including both side covers, headlight, rear brake and turn signal integrated etc

Cons: Needs turn signals and brake lights wired up, needs side covers put back on and everything buttoned up.

Here is a picture for reference, please any advice is greatly appreciated!

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

So, have you bought it yet?

.

 

[spencerm]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

So, have you bought it yet?

.

Thank you! I look forward to learning about it!

Tomorrow I am driving to pick it up, but I have verbally agreed to buy it as long as it is in the condition stated.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Thank you! I look forward to learning about it!

Tomorrow I am driving to pick it up, but I have verbally agreed to buy it as long as it is in the condition stated.

Cool. I would want to hear it run and see it ride, so to speak.
Check if the clutch is engaging properly and all gears are engaging.

Its kinda concerning that there are no air filters fitted, from what I can see.
I would ask in a serious manner why he gave up on his project.

You could take a bunch of close-up photos when you first arrive there and post them right away here and we could advise you on your purchase.


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[spencerm]

Cool. I would want to hear it run and see it ride, so to speak.
Check if the clutch is engaging properly and all gears are engaging.

Its kinda concerning that there are no air filters fitted, from what I can see.
I would ask in a serious manner why he gave up on his project.

You could take a bunch of close-up photos when you first arrive there and post them right away here and we could advise you on your purchase.


.

Will do all of that.

Reading back on our messages, he said this “It runs and rides, clutch cable needs adjusted, needs headlight for the front, I have bulb and mount just missing screws, needs rear taillight/tag light and turn signals wired up, have a all in 1 setup and it’s ready to mount. And then some air filters for the carbs. But you could ride it without the carb filters”

Is that concerning?

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Will do all of that.

Reading back on our messages, he said this “It runs and rides, clutch cable needs adjusted, needs headlight for the front, I have bulb and mount just missing screws, needs rear taillight/tag light and turn signals wired up, have a all in 1 setup and it’s ready to mount. And then some air filters for the carbs. But you could ride it without the carb filters”

Is that concerning?

It's not good for the engine to run without filters. But filters are inexpensive, about $10 apiece.

Uni foam filters:

Used headlight parts can be had on ebay cheap.
The sealed beam can be bought at Walmart for $7 or so.


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[spencerm]

It's not good for the engine to run without filters. But filters are inexpensive, about $10 apiece.

Uni foam filters:
View attachment 340154

Used headlight parts can be had on ebay cheap.
The sealed beam can be bought at Walmart for $7 or so.


.

Ok going to order that stuff tonight.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

I recommend that you first see what you got after buying the bike. Then build a parts checklist as you go. Shipping is expensive. Buy as many as you can in one purchase.
Investing in new parts before you buy it will only put pressure on you to purchase the bike. It might be a headache project when you finally see it tomorrow.
Despite your promise to purchase, don't feel obligated to do so if it looks like more work than you bargained for. There are a lot of bikes out there.

I would check the VIN numbers to see if they match the title. They are on the frame in front of the tank.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

I would check to see if that custom seat is securely fastened in the front and rear. If it isn't, it could be a whole lot of work to fabricate attachment brackets.


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[Wirenutt]

For reference, this showed up in our Craigslist Depository forum, so you can see more pics and details.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/442932198610484/

 

[650Skull]

If you want to mount rear indicators brackets are needed. Here is how it was done from the factory.

Your frame has been cut and the rear mounting bracket with it.

This shows how the indicators are mounted on the grabrail. The rear guard also attaches to that rear bracket. Missing bracket means something will need to b fabricated to mount a new, or some type of guard

The wiring for the taillight/brake light usually runs on top of the rear guard. The rear bracket that holds the guard in has been removed with the rear part of the frame.

The rear wiring, (taillight/brake light), can b disconnected from where all the wires appear from a rubber sheath by the #22. Make sure that is still there or the owner still has it or your going to have to make up your own

You mention the owner has put an electronic ignition on the bike.
Need to identify what type. A Boyer Branson ignition would replace the points

Usually this model would have points under the cap the red arrow points to.

If a PMA, ( some PMA's incorporate an ignition system in them), Take the cap, (with Yamaha written on it blue arrow), off, this will show you if it is a PMA or factory charging system. The owner will need to confirm if the PMA has the ingnituon system on it.

To install a rear guard and indicators I think you are going to have to fabricate brackets. That will require tools including a welder.

You need to b mechanically minded, b prepared to work on your bike and that will require tools. Been done before and there are plenty on here that will help.

But and there is a big but, one never knows what it will take, sometimes small problems cam take an age to diagnose. Electrical problems can manifest to look like carb problems and vise versa. This is an old bike and the PO has chopped and changed things. The real question is has he messed up, if so you are going to have to fix it.

Not trying to put you off.......... being realistic

 

[spencerm]

Wow, you guys are insanely helpful. I really appreciate all that has been posted in just a couple of hours. @650Skull , I checked again and there has been a plate fabricated onto the back of the seat. Im assuming this is for the license plate/break light, but do you think that I could weld two side brackets on each side below to mount the turn signals? Ive attached a pic that shows the plate that was fabricated. I have friends that can weld/help me out, so that should not be an issue.

Some of the questions I am going to ask -
Check Vin to match title
Inquire about electric ignition/charging system
Check seat mounting
Ask why he gave up on project
Create a parts checklist.
See how it runs/look for any potential issues

If y'all have any other suggestions let me know!

 

[Raymond]

@spencerm, that looks like a good, solid XS650 and, assuming the price is reasonable, I would go for it. But you need to know that you will enter a relationship when you hook up with a forty-six year old motorcycle. She will give you street cred and work hard as your personal transport but you will also need to keep up with maintenance and or repair - sounds like you already know.

These are very simple, tough machines and this forum will give you all the help and advice you need. Would go so far as to say, if you are thinking about getting into proper old motorbikes, this forum is a good reason to choose the XS650. Cheers, Raymond

 

[jetmechmarty]

I bought my XS650 when I was in college. But, mine was new. The bike is a worthy companion if you can keep it going. It gets easier.

 

[halfmile]

Wow, you guys are insanely helpful. I really appreciate all that has been posted in just a couple of hours. @650Skull , I checked again and there has been a plate fabricated onto the back of the seat. Im assuming this is for the license plate/break light, but do you think that I could weld two side brackets on each side below to mount the turn signals? Ive attached a pic that shows the plate that was fabricated. I have friends that can weld/help me out, so that should not be an issue.

Some of the questions I am going to ask -
Check Vin to match title
Inquire about electric ignition/charging system
Check seat mounting
Ask why he gave up on project
Create a parts checklist.
See how it runs/look for any potential issues

If y'all have any other suggestions let me know!

The tail light bracket you pictured is for this tail light/tag holder. The brake and tail light as well as the L&R turn signals are all integrated into this light. Their on eBait.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395728274527?_skw=motorcycle+universal+rear+brake+tail+light&itmmeta=01JDZ5HRKC90CFBM0AVNPZ4XFZ&hash=item5c233e445f:g:nmAAAOSw~Q1m9QWM&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx+KZ9MfhVJKkuQXzPCu1vBN8P55aIemYKtc3M1DwR0wqnQkxXjlevAQnolTbdpR5aTfRme6LbA146UmkfGfWTd8Mamm/i5hZYnRnKvCgxMixDVAV0C1u7MKToGyssVxq8UXBIZNIplRCnAUuS1QthZIahvj8HttsG39ExDwnXUbe7jrJ9MzE/tBOPwEVrghepb7JrYbdIutmHZBvfIPmYjDu7wEfGH3PDk3ncxloKUnB+KMJ0rShCgh1VDqMeRIgpYHv4Ule6rRCZBeTEtZynbhb+dpgQ/h1aU2OokO3xVr0ER6UTEjuwuQ==|tkp:Bk9SR-aJx-XvZA

 

[spencerm]

@spencerm, that looks like a good, solid XS650 and, assuming the price is reasonable, I would go for it. But you need to know that you will enter a relationship when you hook up with a forty-six year old motorcycle. She will give you street cred and work hard as your personal transport but you will also need to keep up with maintenance and or repair - sounds like you already know.

These are very simple, tough machines and this forum will give you all the help and advice you need. Would go so far as to say, if you are thinking about getting into proper old motorbikes, this forum is a good reason to choose the XS650. Cheers, Raymond

Well I just picked it up and it’s now mine. The bike cold started and after warming up rode fine. The clutch shifted into gears but it was a little tough to pull in and will need adjustment. This is my checklist so far after purchasing

Needs oil changed
Clutch lever adjustment
Front forks need to be replaced (or maintenanced)
Purchase an air filter
Wire in the brake lines and turn signals
Buy new tires
Possible new exhaust?(current one is super loud)

I really think yall for all of the help, I can’t wait to finish this bike and have it in perfect condition. Excited to be apart of the community. Any advice or tips is appreciated!!

 

[Its been a long time]

Well I just picked it up and it’s now mine. The bike cold started and after warming up rode fine. The clutch shifted into gears but it was a little tough to pull in and will need adjustment. This is my checklist so far after purchasing

Needs oil changed
Clutch lever adjustment
Front forks need to be replaced (or maintenanced)
Purchase an air filter
Wire in the brake lines and turn signals
Buy new tires
Possible new exhaust?(current one is super loud)

I really think yall for all of the help, I can’t wait to finish this bike and have it in perfect condition. Excited to be apart of the community. Any advice or tips is appreciated!!

Since you're doing an oil change it would be a very good idea to drop the sump plate off to inspect the strainer and look at the right side oil filter.

Personally, on a bike previously unknown to me, I put the most effort into making sure the brakes are 100%. Good luck with it.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Check the condition of the chain. If it is quite rusty or very worn it could be "thrown", endangering your life and possibly it could get thrown into the left side case, badly damaging your engine.

For all of your stated concerns, you can check the "tech" section for relevant threads or put your issue into the search bar above. You can also google the issue and you will get our forum threads as well as youtube videos on the subject.


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[Wirenutt]

In case no one has mentioned it - buy a service manual. I find Clymer's is a good one. Haynes is less so. Mama Yamaha's is also very good, but expensive. You may be able to find one on fleabay. Good sites for information and parts:
https://thexscafedotcom.wordpress.com/
https://www.mikesxs.net/
https://xs650direct.com/
https://yamahaxs650.com/
https://www.biker.net/
https://tcbros.com/ (Look under the "Metric" tab
https://www.hughshandbuilt.com/
http://www.hoosracing.com

 

[Wingedwheel]

Well I just picked it up and it’s now mine.

Now that’s a matter of opinion. With these old bikes, who owns who….